Fert Voyages has put together the ideal itinerary for you to discover the best of South Africa in the best possible conditions… with unforgettable memories to match. The program includes a safari in the Kruger Park and the Garden Route to Cape Town.
Text: Marie Le Berre
Kruger Park, north-east South Africa
As vast as Brittany, Kruger Park is the epitome of the African safari. Boasting a vast savannah of acacia and other emblematic plant species, it is home to an unrivalled diversity of endemic animal species. You can visit the Kruger on your own with a rental vehicle, but this doesn’t allow you to leave the paved roads and witness unique wildlife scenes at dawn and dusk.
To immerse yourself in the captivating environment of the South African savannah, it’s best to choose to stay in a lodge within a private reserve, starting with the Kambaku River Sands Lodge, which is particularly committed to preserving the environment. Nestled in the heart of the Timbavati Reserve, it allows visitors to discover the splendor of the wildlife while enjoying refined comfort and a tasty culinary experience. The reserve is home to an incredible diversity of animal species, including the famous “Big Five”. Guided 4×4 safaris allow you to admire these impressive creatures in their natural habitat, while having minimal impact on the ecosystem. It’s also a real olfactory experience, thanks to the scents and atmosphere of the bush.
If you’re heading south into the Kruger Park, the Panoramic Route is a must. This road trip cuts through the safari experience, making it an ideal transition to appreciate the grandiose mountain scenery. Among other impressive discoveries, it’s essential to visit the Blyde River Canyon, framed by three circular peaks (the Three Rondavels) that add grandeur to the landscape, and to make a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a magnificent canyon with emblematic basins carved out by the force of water. For the best possible experience, we recommend travelling in a 4X4 with a private guide.
Back on safari with a stay in the private reserve of Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, a top-of-the-range establishment offering incomparable comfort. As at Kambaku, all safari outings are led by highly experienced guides and trackers. This allows you to witness exceptional scenes: why not lionesses hunting an impala, leopards fighting over a carcass on the branches of an acacia tree or a mother rhino looking after her baby?
Garden Route, along the country’s southern coast
After the safari, it’s on to one of the world’s most beautiful roads, which you can quickly reach by flying from Kruger to George. The Garden Route is above all the Tsitsikama National Park, an astonishing example of preserved nature on the edge of a powerful ocean. After spending several days on safari in a vehicle, this walking tour is a must. Suspension bridges and coastal paths offer a succession of landscapes. You’ll be drawn in by the revitalizing atmosphere of the surrounding elements.
Whether you’re a golfer or not, a stopover at Fancourt, an oasis of greenery in an enchanting setting, is a must. The Fancourt Golf Resort is distinguished by its idyllic setting and lush gardens surrounded by majestic mountains. With three internationally renowned golf courses, it is a popular destination for all golfers. Guests can enjoy a variety of top-class facilities and services, including a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court and several restaurants and bars.
Unusual experiences on the Garden Route include: a private whale-watching cruise on a catamaran; a private visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison with his jailer and friend, the famous Christo Brand; a day on the Wine Route, with visits to historic sites & wine tasting on the traditional Franschhoek tramway through the vineyards; and E-Bike excursions (Winelands Tour or Cape Town city tour).
Cape Town can also be visited with a private guide. In addition to the great classics, you’ll discover the Muslim quarter (Bo-Kaap), renowned for its colorful houses, and Table Mountain, one of the world’s 7 natural wonders, which overlooks the city. Another magnificent discovery is the Lion’s Head hike, which offers a view that fully reveals the beauty of this oceanfront city.
Finally, don’t miss a detour to the Cape of Good Hope, south of Cape Town, with its breathtakingly beautiful, jagged coastal scenery. At Boulder Beach, you can observe marvellous colonies of penguins, giving you the impression of being at the end of the world, since beyond this point, even further south, lies Antarctica.
Information and booking at Fert Voyages (022 730 47 47 or fertvoyages.ch)
Fert offers Skippers subscribers two unusual services on the Jardins parmi route: Private whale-watching cruise on a catamaran. Private visit to Nelson Mandela’s prison with his jailer and friend, the famous Christo Brand. A day on the wine route, visiting historic sites & wine tasting on the traditional Franschhoek tramway through the vineyards. E-bike excursions (Winelands Tour or Cape Town city tour)